The route
The walks follow historic trading and military trails, mountain paths, woodland tracks and quiet roads. The terrain is varied, with both long ascents and steep descents that require good fitness and sure-footedness. The stages through Lovćen National Park and down the Ladder of Kotor involve particularly significant changes in elevation. Daily distances range from approximately 12–17 km, and shorter alternatives are available on several days. This tour is best suited to those who are used to walking in hilly and mountainous terrain.
Itinerary
You arrive in the small village of Rijeka Crnojević near Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. The village enjoys a picturesque setting beside the river of the same name and is known for its old stone bridge and welcoming restaurants along the waterfront. It is a lovely place to relax after your journey and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
If you arrive early, you can take a short walk to a nearby cave or enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Skadar, where you may spot some of the area's abundant birdlife. In the evening, you can sample local specialities at one of the village restaurants, where freshly caught fish from the lake often features on the menu. A local representative will meet you to go through the practical details of your upcoming walking holiday.
Hotel (example): Hotel S Jovicevic
Today's walk takes you from Rijeka Crnojević through a fertile landscape of vineyards, farmland and small villages. You follow an old trading route that once provided the main connection between Montenegro's former royal capital, Cetinje, and the trading settlement at Lake Skadar. Along the way, you enjoy lovely views across the rolling landscape as the trail gradually climbs into the hills.
Towards the end of the walk, a short transfer is recommended to avoid approximately 2.5 km along a busy road. You are picked up at a restaurant overlooking the lake and driven the remaining distance to Cetinje. Once Montenegro's royal capital, the town is still home to historic buildings, museums and an atmosphere that reflects its important role in the country's past.
Hotel (example): Hotel Dapcevic
The day begins with a transfer of approximately 30 minutes from Cetinje to the starting point of your walk. From here, you set off along a historic trading route that once connected the Kingdom of Montenegro with the port town of Kotor. Local traders used this route to transport their goods between the mountains and the coast.
The trail leads through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Lovćen National Park towards the Njegoš Mausoleum on the summit of Jezerski Vrh. From here, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views across Montenegro's mountains and surrounding countryside. After a break near the mausoleum, you continue downhill through the national park towards Ivanova Korita, where you spend the night surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
Shorter option: You can choose a shorter circular walk to the mausoleum, with a transfer directly into Lovćen National Park. This route covers 10 km with 459 m of ascent and descent. Walking time approx. 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Hotel (example): Hotel Monte Rosa
Today brings one of the most spectacular walks of the holiday as you follow the famous Ladder of Kotor from the mountains down towards the Bay of Kotor. The walk starts directly from your hotel in Ivanova Korita and first takes you through a valley between the highest mountains of Lovćen National Park. You then continue towards the Krstac Pass, where you can take a break before beginning the day's long descent.
From the pass, the old caravan trail winds down the mountainside through countless hairpin bends. Along the way, wonderful views open up across the Bay of Kotor, where steep mountains meet the blue waters below. After the long descent, you reach Kotor's historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow streets, old churches and Venetian architecture. Spend the rest of the day exploring the atmospheric streets within the medieval town walls.
Shorter option: You can choose a transfer of approximately 30 minutes directly to the start of the Ladder of Kotor. This reduces the walk to 8 km with 940 m of descent. Walking time approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Hotel (example): Hotel Marija
The day begins with a short transfer of approximately 15 minutes from Kotor to the village of Orahovac, where your walk starts. From here, you follow an old zigzagging trail through woodland on the northern side of the Bay of Kotor. As you gain height, the landscape opens up and you reach the ruins of the old Vranovo Brdo fortress.
From the higher slopes, you can enjoy wonderful views across the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. The walk continues through hilly terrain before descending towards Perast. This small coastal town is known for its elegant Baroque buildings and the two distinctive islands just offshore. Spend the rest of the day exploring its narrow streets, enjoying dinner by the water or simply relaxing with views across the bay.
Alternative route: Another route with less ascent is also available, including a transfer to a different starting point. This walk covers 12 km with 440 m of ascent and 1,018 m of descent. Walking time approx. 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Hotel (example): Hotel Admiral
The day begins with a short boat transfer from Perast to Stoliv on the Vrmac Peninsula, which separates the inner Bay of Kotor from Tivat Bay. Your walk starts with a climb through green surroundings and past an abandoned village. As you gain height, you reach the mountain ridge, where the trail continues with beautiful views over the bays on both sides of the peninsula.
Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to the summit of Sveti Ilija, standing 765 metres above sea level. From here, the route descends towards the picturesque village of Gornja Lastva, perched on the hillside above Tivat. The walk finishes in Tivat, known for its modern Porto Montenegro marina and lively waterfront promenade. Enjoy the afternoon and evening by the sea.
Shorter option: You can finish the walk in Gornja Lastva and be picked up for a transfer the remaining distance to Tivat. This route covers 12 km with 833 m of ascent and 541 m of descent. Walking time approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Hotel (example): Hotel Palma
After breakfast, you are picked up at your hotel and driven approximately 20 minutes to a small fishing village on the Luštica Peninsula, where your final walk begins. You follow old trails uphill through peaceful countryside, enjoying views back towards Tivat Bay. The route continues across the peninsula's higher ground and through laurel woodland before reaching small traditional villages surrounded by old dry-stone walls.
On the other side of the peninsula, the landscape opens up towards the Adriatic Sea, Mamula Island and Croatia's Prevlaka Peninsula. You continue along quiet village roads before a steep path leads down to a lovely pebble beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. If you wish, you can continue a further couple of kilometres to a more secluded beach near Fort Arza. Your walking holiday comes to an end on Montenegro's westernmost stretch of coastline. After the walk, you are picked up and transferred back to Tivat, where you spend your final evening.
Shorter option: A shorter walk of 8 km is available, with 42 m of ascent and 338 m of descent. Walking time approx. 2 hours.
Hotel (example): Hotel Palma
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Montenegro. You check out of your hotel in Tivat and begin your journey home after a walking holiday through some of the country's most beautiful natural landscapes and historic towns.
pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses
FOOD & DRINKS
- Breakfast every day
HIKING
- 6 days of walking (approx. 85 km in total)
- Welcome meeting with a local representative upon arrival
- Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions, and important phone numbers – in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
- Option to receive GPX files for use in your own GPS
TRANSPORT
- Transfer on Day 2 to avoid approximately 2.5 km of busy road on the way to Cetinje
- Transfer from Cetinje to the starting point of the walk near Lovćen National Park on Day 3 (approx. 30 minutes)
- Transfer from Kotor to Orahovac on Day 5 (approx. 15 minutes)
- Boat transfer from Perast to Stoliv on Day 6
- Transfer from Tivat to the starting point of the walk on the Luštica Peninsula on Day 7 (approx. 20 minutes)
- Return transfer from the Luštica Peninsula to Tivat after the walk on Day 7
- Luggage transfer between the hotels
OTHER
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
GENERAL
- Transport to/from Montenegro
- Handling fee (€25)
- Travel insurance
REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY
- Any tourist taxes charged by the hotels
OPTIONAL
The following can be selected in the booking form, when you book the tour.
- Transfer from/to Podgorica Airport
- Transfer from/to Dubrovnik Airport
- Transfer from/to Tivat Airport
Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.
PARKING
It is possible to park at the first hotel or nearby. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and must be arranged directly with the hotel (expect a cost of approximately €10–20 per day).
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
Transport to and from Montenegro is not included in the tour price. We recommend waiting until your holiday has been confirmed before booking flights or other transport arrangements. Confirmation normally takes 5–8 working days.
Flights to Montenegro
The tour starts in Rijeka Crnojević near Lake Skadar and finishes in Tivat on the Bay of Kotor. You can therefore consider different airports for your arrival and departure.
Podgorica Airport is the closest airport to the starting point of the tour. From here, it takes approximately 35–45 minutes to drive to Rijeka Crnojević. International flight connections are available, often with a stopover.
Tivat Airport is conveniently located near the final destination of the tour, making it particularly suitable for your return journey. Direct flights are available from selected European airports during the summer season, while connecting flights may be necessary at other times.
Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is another option. From here, you can continue into Montenegro, but please note that the journey involves crossing an international border, where waiting times may occur.
Airport transfers
We can arrange private transfers from Podgorica, Tivat and Dubrovnik airports to your first hotel in Rijeka Crnojević. On your departure day, we can also arrange a transfer from your final hotel in Tivat to any of these three airports.
Airport transfers can be selected in the booking form.
Travelling by car
It is also possible to travel to Montenegro in your own car. However, please note that the tour starts in Rijeka Crnojević and finishes in Tivat. You will therefore need to arrange transport back to your car after the walking holiday. Parking arrangements at the first accommodation should be confirmed in advance.
How it works
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You book your holiday with us.
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We confirm your booking, normally within 5–8 working days.
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Once your holiday is confirmed, you can book your transport.
This walking holiday includes 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses. Accommodation ranges from small, locally run guesthouses near Lake Skadar to comfortable hotels in historic towns and along the Bay of Kotor. In Lovćen National Park, you stay surrounded by mountains, while the final nights are spent close to the coast.
In the itinerary, you can see examples of the hotels we most frequently use on this tour. If the listed hotels are unavailable when we confirm your booking, we will arrange accommodation of a similar standard.
Breakfast is included every day and is served at your accommodation, giving you a good start before heading out on your walk.
Lunch is not included. On some walking routes, you may find places to eat along the way, and the Bering Travel app provides an overview of restaurants and cafés along each day's route. Please note that the app does not indicate whether these places are currently open. On days with limited options, we recommend checking the restaurants and their opening hours on Google before setting off. You can also buy provisions at local supermarkets or ask your hotel whether they can prepare a packed lunch.
Dinner is not included. Cetinje, Kotor and Tivat offer a good selection of restaurants, while choices are more limited in smaller villages and Lovćen National Park. Here, you can enjoy local dishes at restaurants near your accommodation.
Local specialities
Montenegrin cuisine combines Mediterranean flavours with traditional mountain cooking. Around Lake Skadar, fresh and smoked carp is a local speciality, while the coastal towns offer fish, seafood and risotto. In the mountains, look out for Njeguški pršut, a traditional dry-cured ham, local cheeses and kačamak, a hearty dish made with cornmeal, potatoes and cheese. Montenegro also produces its own wines, including the well-known red wine Vranac.
If you travel at the beginning or end of the season, please be aware that some restaurants may be closed or have reduced opening hours.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
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When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.
Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.
The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.
The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.
This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
